RFC 950

Internet Standard Subnetting Procedure

Status Of This Memo

This RFC specifies a protocol for the ARPA-Internet community. If
subnetting is implemented it is strongly recommended that these
procedures be followed. Distribution of this memo is unlimited.

Overview

This memo discusses the utility of "subnets" of Internet networks,
which are logically visible sub-sections of a single Internet
network. For administrative or technical reasons, many organizations
have chosen to divide one Internet network into several subnets,
instead of acquiring a set of Internet network numbers. This memo
specifies procedures for the use of subnets. These procedures are
for hosts (e.g., workstations). The procedures used in and between
subnet gateways are not fully described. Important motivation and
background information for a subnetting standard is provided in
RFC-940 [7].

Acknowledgment

This memo is based on RFC-917 [1]. Many people contributed to the
development of the concepts described here. J. Noel Chiappa, Chris
Kent, and Tim Mann, in particular, provided important suggestions.
Additional contributions in shaping this memo were made by Zaw-Sing
Su, Mike Karels, and the Gateway Algorithms and Data Structures Task
Force (GADS).